Unai Emery to make bold double change – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Chelsea
Aston Villa are preparing for a trip to face Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea will play host to Villa after Christmas as Unai Emery goes in search of an 11th straight victory across all competitions.
The Villans are in their best winning run since the 1910s after Villa secured a 2-1 win over Manchester United last time around at Villa Park.
A trip to Stamford Bridge will represent a different test after Villa lost 3-0 against Chelsea in their last Premier League visit.
Multiple changes could be made to the starting XI in claret and blue as the away side look to maintain their stellar form away in the capital.
Lucas Digne could replace Ian Maatsen vs Chelsea
Wayne Rooney may not think Villa are in a title race, but the B6 outfit will hope to continue their superb performance level for as long as possible.
That all starts with Emi Martinez, who will be keen to finally keep a clean sheet after doing so just once in his past five outings.
The Argentine made five saves against Man United as he helped Ezri Konsa and Victor Lindelof to concede just the one goal.
That defensive duo could start again alongside Matty Cash after his error at Villa Park, with Lucas Digne potentially set to come in.
Ian Maatsen may have contributed to eight defensive actions and maintained an 84 per cent pass accuracy against the Red Devils, but he also lost seven duels, so he may not be risked at Stamford Bridge.
The defensive line could once again be bolstered by Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana, who combined for 20 defensive contributions last time out.
Donyell Malen could start for Aston Villa vs Chelsea
There is unlikely to be changes in the attacking midfield area for the Villans after such an excellent performance against United.
Morgan Rogers was stellar as he took seven shots and netted two, while Youri Tielemans also thrived again in the number ten role.
This duo could join John McGinn once again as he played a key role in helping ride the storm when Ruben Amorim’s side gained midfield control in B6.
Ollie Watkins arguably struggled more than anyone else at Villa Park and may benefit from a spell on the bench.
The England international took just one shot and missed one big chance against Man United and may find himself replaced by Donyell Malen in the capital.
The Dutchman has pace and the ability to hold up the ball, something which will be important if Villa are to secure a massive away win.
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